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| "Harm," Mac said, "I was looking at this most recent photo album. Who's this?" Harm took the album from her to get a better look. He smiled. "That's Noah, Evie's boyfriend." She sat next to him. "He's the only boyfriend that I haven't tried to run out of this house." "Why is that?" Mac asked, smiling back at him. "He's studying to be a lawyer. A JAG lawyer to be precise." "They look very happy together," she commented. "Do you think he could be the one for her?" Harm laughed. "Playing matchmaker with our daughter?" Mac didn't reply. She had a far away look in her eyes. Harm realized she was probably remembering something so he let her sit in thought. A few minutes later, a small gasp escaped her lips. "Mac?" he asked worriedly. "Harm, did someone kidnap Evie, Rena, and me at one point?" She didn't want to sound crazy, but... "Yeah, the girls were still little. I thought I had lost you that time. This family has been through so much. Even a trip to Disney World couldn't keep the monsters at bay." Mac looked into Harm's eyes. She could see so much love those beautiful orbs. Another memory flashed in her mind. This one was of a happier time. Harm watched as the worried look disappeared and a smile took form. "What are you remembering?" "The birthday party the kids planned for me last year. They chose to have a surprise party at Chuck E. Cheese and you let them." "Hey," Harm said, "it was their idea. I thought it'd be cute. Besides, you had a great time, didn't you?" She nodded. "I did." "Mom!" Nicholas shouted, rushing into the room. "Come with me!!" "Whoa, calm down, where's the fire?" Harm asked. Nicholas grinned. "Sorry, but there's something that the girls and I set up to help Mom with her memories." Mac stood up and took his hand. "Lead the way." *************** Nicholas led his parents into the basement. Nearly everyone they knew was there. AJ, Bud, Harriet, Haley, little AJ (who was in his 20s now), Frank, Sturgis, and Noah. Evelyn stood up in front of the TV screen that was set up, her siblings standing next to her. "If everyone could take their seats, we'd like to begin. As you know, our Mother has suffered a concussion recently and she was diagnosed with selective amnesia. We're determined to help her remember the last 20 years." "Ladies and gentlemen," Serena said, " may I present to you the wedding of Sarah Mackenzie and Harmon Rabb." Mac watched her wedding and felt as she was living through it all over again. She took Harm's hand and wiped away the tears with her other. Harm turned to face her and whispered the vows in her ear. She did the same. By the time the wedding was finished, they were sharing a very passionate kiss. They broke apart at the sound of clapping. "If that didn't jog her memory, I don't know what will," Sturgis said. "I'm not sure," Mac replied. "I might need another one." Their children screeched. "No more, Mom!" Christiana exclaimed. "At least wait until everyone's gone and we're in bed." "Yes, please," Trisha said. Everyone laughed. "I think we need to put the old statement to the test," AJ said. "What statement is that?" Harriet asked. "The best way to Mac's heart, or mind in this case, is through her stomach." *************** A few hours later, the Rabb family (and Noah) were sitting quietly in their living room, just enjoying one another's company. "Mrs. Rabb," Noah said, breaking the silence. "Was this helpful?" "It was more than helpful, Noah. I'm still working on a few things, but I know who my children are and who I married, and that's the important thing." Noah glanced at Evelyn, who nodded. "Well, then," he said, standing up. "There's something we'd like to add for future memories." "What's that?" Mac asked. He helped Evelyn to her face. "Mom, Dad, Noah and I are engaged." Evelyn's siblings jumped up in excitement and rushed over to give them hugs, while Harm and Mac stared at one another. They knew that this day would come. Harm helped her up and they walked over to them. The sea of children parted. "Welcome to the family, Noah," Harm said with a smile. |
